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Abstract:

A method of providing safety and maintenance vehicular service includes
the steps: capturing information indicative of a vehicle status parameter
electronically by means of a vehicle monitoring system; transmitting
captured information through at least one vehicle connectivity system;
transmitting captured information from the vehicle connectivity system to
at least one portable device such as a cell phone and/or GPS unit;
activating the portable device; activating analytical software utilized
by the portable device; analyzing the captured information by the
analytical software of the portable device; and conveying by sensory
means useful processed information based upon captured information
analysis to a user located within the vehicle. Advance communication of
the processed information (e.g. identifying the service required) to at
least one vehicle service provider externally located to the vehicle can
be initiated and advance preparation of a job order and payment may be
concluded online to expedite the repair procedure.

Claims:

1. A method of providing safety and maintenance vehicular service
comprising the steps: (A) capturing information electronically from a
vehicle monitoring system; (B) transmitting captured information through
at least one vehicle connectivity system; (C) transmitting captured
information from the vehicle connectivity system to at least one portable
device; (D) activating the portable device; (E) activating analytical
software utilized by the portable device; (F) analyzing the captured
information by the analytical software of the portable device; and (G)
conveying by sensory means useful processed information based upon
captured information analysis to a user located within the vehicle.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
wirelessly communicating the processed information to at least one
vehicle service provider externally located to the vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the portable device is from
the group including: telephonic devices; global positioning system
devices.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of activating
analytical software utilized by the portable device is initiated
automatically by transmission of captured information from the vehicle
connectivity system to the portable device.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein transmission of information
from the vehicle connectivity system to activate the portable device is
in real-time by means of Bluetooth-based communication.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of conveying by
sensory means useful processed information to a user within the vehicle
is responsive to the transmission of captured information-initiated
activation of the portable device.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the captured information is
transmitted to by means of an on-board diagnostic message capturing
vehicle port.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein transmission of information
from the vehicle connectivity system to activate the portable device is
in real-time by means of Bluetooth-based communication from the on-board
diagnostic message capturing vehicle port.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle
connectivity system is taken from the group: vehicle original equipment
manufacturer provided connectivity systems; post-manufactured installed
on-board diagnostic message capturing devices.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein further comprising the
steps: identifying to the user at least one vehicle service provider
option within a geographic range of the vehicle; and advising the user of
vehicle service and product offering options commercially offered by the
one vehicle service provider option.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein further comprising the
steps: selecting by the user at least one preferred service and product
option offered by the service provide option; and communicating a
selective part of the useful processed information to the at least one
service provider option in advance of an arrival of the vehicle to a
location of the service provider option.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein further comprising
communicating job order information related to the at least one service
and product option to the at least one service provider option.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the job-order information
is taken from the group: authorized job services requested; service
location; payment provisions.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle
connectivity system is taken from the group: vehicle OEM-provided
connectivity systems; post-manufactured installed on-board diagnostic
message capturing devices and useful processed information based upon
captured information analysis to a customer located within the vehicle is
by means of the portable device.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of communicating
the processed information to at least one service provider option is by
means of the portable device.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to vehicle maintenance and, more
particularly, to an information management system for assisting a vehicle
operator in making and implementing an informed decision regarding
maintenance of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well documented that maintaining a vehicle is important for
vehicle safety, vehicle performance, and vehicle longevity. Information
useful to vehicle operation and maintenance includes tire pressure,
mileage, treadwear, and vehicle oil change history.

[0003] Certain systems have been devised and implemented to assist in
providing a vehicle operator with relevant vehicle information for
maintenance purposes. Vehicle information systems have evolved over time
to provide vehicle self-diagnostic services and give the vehicle
owner/operator or a repair technician access to sate of health
information of various vehicle sub-systems. Such information is typically
available and accessible on demand for diagnostic analysis of vehicle
state of health or vehicle repair. Access to the diagnostic information
for repair purposes is an effective tool and has improved the efficiency
of making needed vehicle repairs. While information from vehicle systems
is useful for repair purposes, there remains a need for an improved
method of using such information for warning and maintenance service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a method of providing
safety and maintenance vehicular service includes the steps: capturing
information indicative of a vehicle status parameter electronically by
means of a vehicle monitoring system; transmitting captured information
through at least one vehicle connectivity system; transmitting captured
information from the vehicle connectivity system to at least one portable
device such as a cell phone and/or GPS unit; activating the portable
device; activating analytical software utilized by the portable device;
analyzing the captured information by the analytical software of the
portable device; and conveying by sensory means useful processed
information based upon captured information analysis to a user located
within the vehicle. In a further aspect, the step of communicating the
processed information to at least one vehicle service provider externally
located to the vehicle is included.

[0005] In another aspect of the invention, the step of activating
analytical software utilized by the portable device is initiated
automatically by transmission of captured information from the vehicle
connectivity system to the portable device and is in real-time by means
of Bluetooth-based communication. The connectivity between the vehicle
system and the portable device(s) may either be by means of a vehicle
original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") provided connectivity system or a
post-manufacture installed on-board diagnostic message capturing device
("OBD II").

[0006] According to a further aspect of the invention, the steps include
identifying to the user a list of vehicle service provider options within
a geographic range of the vehicle; advising the user of vehicle service
and product offering options commercially offered by the list of vehicle
service provider options; selecting by the user at least one preferred
service provider from the list of service provider options and at least
one preferred service and product option from the preferred service
provider; and communicating a selective part of the useful processed
information to the at least one preferred service provider in advance of
an arrival of the vehicle to a location of the preferred service
provider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention will be described by way of example and with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle equipped for the
practice of the method.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow chart representation of the method for an
exemplary tire service application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, the subject method is practiced in the
provision of maintenance information and service to a vehicle 10. The
methodology applies to commercial or passenger vehicles having a tire
platform 12. The tires 12 supporting the vehicle 10 may be equipped with
sensing devices and/or electronic tags 14 which store tire and vehicle
based data and may provide tire monitoring by means of tire pressure
monitoring devices.

[0011] Tire pressure monitoring systems have been developed and are in
increasing use. Such systems typically comprise a sensor located in the
tire to perform real-time interior air pressure and temperature
monitoring. The information is wirelessly transmitted as shown at 16 of
FIG. 1 to the driver via radio frequencies ("RF") and may be displayed in
the driver compartment of the vehicle. The remote sensing module consists
of a tire condition monitor, for example, a pressure sensor and/or a
temperature sensor, a signal processor, and an RF transmitter. The system
may be powered by a battery or the sensing module may be "passive"; that
is, power may be supplied to the sensing module by way of magnetic
coupling with a remote transmitter that is connected to an electronic
control unit ("ECU"). The ECU can either be dedicated to tire pressure
monitoring or the on-board vehicle computer that performs other functions
in the car. For instance, the ECU could be a dashboard controller or
other onboard computer. Examples of such tire monitoring systems are more
fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,868,358 and 6,591,671 owned by the
assignee of this application, which patents are hereby incorporated in
their entireties by reference herein.

[0012] The purpose of a tire monitoring system is to provide the driver
with a warning should a pressure anomaly occur in one or more tires.
Typically, tire pressure and temperature are reported parameters. To be
useful, the information must be quickly communicated and be reliable.
Further, simply displaying the tire pressure information does not help a
user remedy the situation. Therefore, there is a need for a tire
monitoring system that not only displays tire pressure anomalies but also
assists the user in satisfactorily resolving those anomalies. Other types
of sensors may be employed as well such as tire tread depth indicators
and tire-load measuring devices.

[0013] The vehicle 10 is typically equipped with an OEM supplied on-board
ECU or computer 18 that performs various data storage and diagnostic
services for the vehicle. For example, the ECU 18 may convey to the
vehicle operator the status of certain vehicle systems and warn by
sensory indicia anomalies that may require remedial action. On-board
diagnostic ("OBD") services conducted by the vehicle computer 18 may be
communicated by visual indicia such as warning lights or audible indicia
such as a warning alarm.

[0014] The operator or a passenger within the vehicle may bring to the
vehicle portable devices 20 such as telephonic (cell phones) devices
and/or global positioning monitors (GPS devices). Such portable devices
may have incorporated therein voice command capability whereby allowing a
vehicle operator to actuate and control the operation of the device
hands-free. Such portable devices may be further equipped with
commercially available software application programs ("Apps") that can
activate the device automatically by remotely transmitted command signal.
GPS systems can further be used to access driving directions to designate
addresses or access database files for regional service providers within
a specified range of the vehicle.

[0015] Pursuant to the methodology of the invention, one or more portable
devices are linked for data transmission from the ECU 18 by means of
"Bluetooth" connectivity. ("Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth Sig Inc.) Bluetooth, generically, is a wireless interface
specification for communication between devices. In order to use
commercially available Bluetooth technology, a device must be compatible
with the subset of Bluetooth profiles necessary to use the desired
services. A Bluetooth profile resides on top of the Bluetooth Core
Specification and additional optional protocols. The way a device 20 uses
Bluetooth technology depends on its profile capabilities. The profiles
provide standards which manufacturers follow to allow devices 20 to use
Bluetooth in the intended manner. Thus, cell phones such as commercially
available smart phones that run a range of application programs may be
equipped with profile capabilities that allow utilization of Bluetooth
communication.

[0016] Certain profiles are defined and adopted by the Bluetooth wireless
interface, including but not limited to: a Basic Imaging Profile ("BIP")
that is designed for sending images between devices; a Cordless Telephony
Profile ("CTP") designed for cordless phones to work using Bluetooth; a
Dial-up Networking Profile ("DUNP") which provides a standard to access
the Internet and other dial-up services over Bluetooth wirelessly; a File
Transfer Profile ("FTP") that provides the capability to browse,
manipulate and transfer objects of another system; and a Hands-Free
Profile (HFP) that allows car hands-free kits to communicate with mobile
phones in a car. A Bluetooth car kit allows users with Bluetooth-equipped
cell phones to make use of some of the phone's features such as making
calls while the phone itself can be left in the user's pocket. Other
useful profiles include Phone Book Access Profile ("PBAP") that allows
exchange of phone book objects between devices and a Serial Port Profile
("SPP").

[0017] Communications between a vehicle ECU and portable devices such as a
cell phone and/or a GPS device may be by means of a vehicle connectivity
system wired into the vehicle by the vehicle OEM manufacturer. For
example, Ford SYNC is one such vehicle connectivity system. ("SYNC" is a
registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.) The vehicle ECU can transmit
selective information to the portable devices and initiate an activation
of portable devices such as smart phone/GPS equipped with appropriate
software/Apps. Once activated, the software/Apps analyzes the data and
provides useful information to the customer such as, without intention of
limitation, tire pressure, mileage, oil change history, tire load, and
tread depth. Following the analysis, information may be wirelessly
communicated to service providers as necessary to remedy tire or other
vehicle system anomalies.

[0018] Furthermore, warning messages based on information captured by the
ECU, such as tire pressure, temperature, tread-depth, or load, may be
communicated via Bluetooth to the vehicle user portable device and
sensory indicia initiated to inform the user. Such sensory indicia may be
a visual display or an audible warning sound. In the event that
corrective action is either required, desired, or recommended, turn by
turn guidance may be given the user via the portable device to the
nearest service center equipped to address corrective measures. For
example, information indicating a tire anomaly requiring tire replacement
may be captured by the vehicle ECU and transmitted to a user cell phone
by Bluetooth interface. The cell phone, equipped with the appropriate
Apps. Software, is activated and a warning is given the customer by
audible and/or visual indicia. The software programmed into the cell
phone then analyzes the data and provides the data in a useful form to
the customer/operator. Useful information, for example, in the case of a
faulty tire may include tire pressure and tire mileage. The customer then
evaluates whether to procure the identity of service providers within a
serviceable range of the vehicle by accessing internet data. Upon
identifying the list of qualified service providers, a service provider
of choice may be selected by the customer. Relevant and useful
information concerning the problem to the selected service provider.

[0019] The customer/user of the methodology may further purchase tire(s)
on line through the creation of an on line job order with the selected
service provider. By completing the transaction ahead of time, the tires
are ready for installation as soon as the customer reaches the service
provider. Alternatively, in the event that service is required or desired
on site, communication with the selected service provider can be used to
initiate a service call to the location of the vehicle.

[0020] The methodology thus is initiated through the capture of required
information from the vehicle systems and its transmission to vehicle
connectivity systems (e.g. Ford SYNC). A vehicle "health" report is
accordingly ascertained. Through Bluetooth connectivity and voice command
controlled portable devices actuated by applications programming, the
data is evaluated and communicated to the user. Turn-by turn directions
to a service provider chosen by the user is possible provided that
navigation capability is available to the customer. The dealer locator
and tire selector application program allows the user to locate a dealer
and select the tire preferred. Through web connectivity (maps,
e-commerce) such information is readily available.

[0021] The combination of vehicle system captured information communicated
to customer portable device may thus be used to display tire pressure and
tread wear information on the handheld device. A verbal warning may be
given to the customer if appropriate. Tire service advice based on
driving behavior, tire selection, and dealer location may be made through
the use of web connectivity (maps, e-commerce). Customer voice commands
may then be used to make the tire/dealer selections. Turn-by-turn
directions to the dealer may be accessed and online purchase and job
order creation functions performed prior to arrival at the selected tire
service provider.

[0022] The above methodology applies to OEM vehicle systems as well as
aftermarket systems. For aftermarket application, required information is
captured by the vehicle ECU from the vehicle systems by sensors as above.
The information data is transmitted to an OBD II port where it is
captured by a OBD II message capture device (OBD II device) of a type
commercially available. In general, OBD in an automotive context is a
generic term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting
capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician
access to stat of health information for various vehicle sub-systems. The
amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely
since the introduction in the early 1980s of on-board vehicle computers
which made OBD possible. Early instances of OBD would illuminate a
malfunction indicator light if a problem was detected but would not
provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD
implementations use a standardized fast digital communications port to
provide real time data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic
trouble codes ("DTCs") which allow one to rapidly identify and remedy
malfunctions within the vehicle. The Society of Automotive Engineers
("SAE") recommends a standardized diagnostic connector and set of
diagnostic test signals. The OBD II specification was made mandatory for
all cars sold in the United States in 2001.

[0023] The OBD II standard specifies the type of diagnostic connector and
its pinout, the electrical signaling protocols available, and the
messaging format. It also provides a candidate list of vehicle parameters
to monitor along with how to encode the data for each. In addition, the
OBD II standard provides an extensible list of DTCs. As a result of this
standardization, a single device can query the on-board computer(s) in
any vehicle.

[0024] For aftermarket application of the methodology, data transmitted to
the OBD II port of a vehicle is captured by a OBD II device and
transmitted to portable devices via Bluetooth as described previously.
Activation of the cell phone/GPS software/Apps is initiated automatically
with the transmission. The software/Apps in such portable devices then
analyze the data as with the OEM system described above. Useful
information (e.g. tire pressure, mileage, oil change history) is provided
to the customer in a sensory communication (audible/visual) and service
providers are identified utilizing web connectivity (maps, e-commerce).
As with the OEM system, voice command is utilized to make the tire/dealer
selections and turn-by-turn directions to the dealer are received. Online
purchase, job order creation, and/or payment provision may be made in
advance of repair to save time at the service provider and thereby
expedite the repair/service.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the method in OEM and aftermarket applications
is represented schematically for the purpose of illustration. Information
from vehicle systems related to a tire problem 24 is transmitted to
vehicle connectivity systems (e.g. Ford SYNC and GM OnStar) in the case
of OEM solution applications, or such information is transmitted to an
OBD II port and captured by a OBD II capture device in the case of
aftermarket application. ("ONSTAR" is a registered trademark of General
Motors Corporation.) The information is transmitted via Bluetooth to a
portable device such as a cell phone/GPS unit within the vehicle. The
portable device is thereupon activated by software/Apps and the data
analyzed by software/Apps to determine the nature of the problem. The
operator of the vehicle is notified as to the nature of the tire problem
and makes a decision 26 as to whether the vehicle is driveable 28 or not
30.

[0026] If driveable (e.g. the repair can be safely scheduled without
urgency), the customer/operator of the vehicle solicits dealer/tire
options utilizing the portable device (GPS, web connectivity such as
maps, e-commerce); and makes a selection 32 of the dealer and tire of
choice on the basis of "non-emergency" criteria. Information relating to
the tire problem 24, the tire selection made by the customer, and an
appointment to make the repair is transmitted to the dealer 44 chosen who
then takes inventory to ensure the selected tire is available for the
needed repair at the scheduled appointment time. Payment can be
accommodated via the internet 34 if so desired to expedite the repair
process. A job order 42 may likewise be generated by internet
communication to document the repair work order and billing details.

[0027] In the event the analysis indicates that the vehicle is not
drivable 30 (e.g. the repair must be made as soon as possible), the
dealer/tire selection 36 is made utilizing the portable device(s) on an
"emergency" basis and a selection 36 of a dealer/tire is made. Directions
to the (most likely) nearest dealer 38 are obtained by web connectivity
and service on arrival 40 is arranged with the service provide so
selected. Payment via the internet 34 and a job order creation 42 may
also be arranged. If the nature of the tire problem is such that the
vehicle 10 cannot be safely driven to the nearest dealer, on-site service
46 or towing of the vehicle 52 for service on arrival 48 may be arranged
through the dealer 44 chosen.

[0028] From the forgoing, it will be appreciated that subject system
architecture provides automatic, real-time information and advice. OnStar
system architecture is based upon user intervention/request and,
accordingly, is not automatic and does not provide for user notification,
information, and advice in real-time. The OEM SYNC system creates a flow
of information in the opposite direction. That is, the user makes a
request and actuates the system. In contrast, the subject system is a
product based system in that the system actuates the portable remote
device and informs the user of anomalies or issues that will be of
interest to the user. As to aftermarket applications, the subject system
architecture provides for the capture of information by an OBD II device
with Bluetooth activation of portable device(s) by cell phone/GPS
software.

[0029] From the forgoing, it will be appreciated that the subject method
provides a convenient, readily implemented, and accessible system of
providing a vehicle user safety and maintenance vehicular service. The
method includes the steps: capturing information indicative of a vehicle
status parameter electronically by means of a vehicle monitoring system;
transmitting captured information through at least one vehicle
connectivity system; transmitting captured information from the vehicle
connectivity system to at least one portable device such as a cell phone
and/or GPS unit; activating the portable device; activating analytical
software utilized by the portable device; analyzing the captured
information by the analytical software of the portable device; and
conveying by sensory means useful processed information based upon
captured information analysis to a user located within the vehicle. By
inclusion of an additional step of communicating the processed
information to at least one vehicle service provider externally located
to the vehicle, the method can initiate communication between the vehicle
operator and a service provider before the vehicle arrives at the dealer
location or the dealer arrives at the vehicle location.

[0030] Additionally, by activating analytical software utilized by the
portable device automatically by transmission of captured information
from the vehicle monitoring system to the portable device in real-time by
means of Bluetooth-based communication, the vehicle operator is
automatically kept apprised of status changes to monitored vehicle
parameters that may require remedial attention. The connectivity between
the vehicle system and the portable device(s) may either be by means of a
vehicle OEM-provided connectivity system or a post-manufacture installed
OBD II message capturing device, making the system suitable for OEM
implementation and post-manufacture utilization.

[0031] Moreover, through the steps of identifying to the user one or more
vehicle service provider options qualified to attend to needed repairs,
the vehicle operator is equipped to select a suitably located service
provider within a geographic range of the vehicle. In the event of an
emergency situation, the proximity of the service provider will be
relatively more important while, in the case of a non-emergency case,
greater discretion by the user in the selection of a service provider is
possible. In advising the user of vehicle service and product offering
options commercially offered by the vehicle service provider selected,
the user can determine the qualifications of the service provider for the
service required.

[0032] Additionally, advance communication between the vehicle operator
and the selected service provider is possible with the system described
herein. On line purchase of parts such as tires and online job order
creation as well as payment can be made before the vehicle and service
provider meet, expediting the process of repair.

[0033] It should also be noted and appreciated that the subject method can
arrange for car repairs ahead of car arrival to a repair facility. In
addition, information generated may be used to order parts by the
customer for delivery to the customer's address. For example, when a
faulty headline bulb is detected, a replacement bulb may be ordered and
shipped to the vehicle operator's home address. Payment can be made for
the part at the same time it is ordered.

[0034] Variations in the present invention are possible in light of the
description of it provided herein. While certain representative
embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating
the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art
that various changes and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the scope of the subject invention. It is, therefore, to
be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments
described which will be within the full intended scope of the invention
as defined by the following appended claims.